International free agency is just five days away, opening on January 15, and the Houston Astros are interested in picking up even more international players.
After making their first big splash of the offseason by signing Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, the Astros are continuing to look overseas as they finalize their roster and build a competitive team.
After rejecting his qualifying offer, Framber Valdez remains a free agent and is still available on the market. Losing Valdez will hurt the Astros, but with Hunter Brown and their newest addition, Tatsuya Imai, it won’t hurt nearly as much.
Even though they just signed a strong pitcher, they still have their eyes on other arms to add to their staff. With this exciting addition from overseas, it looks like they are exploring even more international players.
Looking internationally for players is not a new strategy for the Houston Astros. Miguel Ullola, signed as an international free agent, has worked his way through the minor league system and was later added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Finding international free agents can be hard, and it’s even harder to know how teenagers will develop. Scouts don’t always have a lot of reliable information. However, looking at Ullola, signing him has already turned out to be a smart choice.
In recent years, the Astros have looked internationally to help strengthen their roster, and it has worked out. So far, Imai has been a strong addition.
Once international free agency officially opens, the Astros have another opportunity to add talent and further strengthen their roster.